Issue - meetings

ES20170

It was noted that this report was being provided as it had been promised at the previous ECS PDS meeting that a follow up report would be provided to assess suitable options for the junction reconfiguration at Albemarle Road and Westgate Road. It had been agreed that one of the options that would be considered would be the installation of a new mini roundabout. Officers had considered the various options and had recommended that ‘Option 1’ be implemented, which was the installation of a ‘Priority Junction’. This would mean that priority would be given to Albemarle Road, while the traffic from Westgate Road would have to give way.

The Assistant Director for Traffic and Parking explained some of the reasons for the officers’ recommendation, saying that the installation of the mini-roundabout could cause problems—it was quite likely that traffic from Albemarle Road approaching the mini-roundabout would not slow down and give way as it should--because of the historical layout. Also, with the limited space available, it was difficult to give adequate visibility to traffic approaching the mini roundabout, especially out of Westgate Road Bridge; this could lead to an increase in accidents. It had also been noted by officers that many pedestrians had been using this point to go along Westgate Road or to proceed to Beckenham, (along Albemarle Road) and also this was on a cycle route. The Assistant Director explained that mini roundabouts were not good for cyclists or pedestrians. He expressed the view that the ‘priority give way’ junction would be better for cyclists and pedestrians at this location.

The Assistant Director said that officers had previously recommended the installation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Scott’s Lane and Bromley Road—but in this case there was more space to do so and also there was an ongoing accident and injury situation that needed to be resolved.

Attending the meeting were Ward Councillors Stephen Wells and Michael Tickner who supported ‘Option 2’, which was for the installation of a mini-roundabout. 

Councillor Tickner explained that Albemarle Rd was a long straight road which drivers often used to avoid the A222. The road had been made one way when cycle lanes had been implemented and now it had been proposed to remove the cycle lanes and for two way traffic to be reintroduced. He stated that local residents were concerned about the speed of traffic along Albemarle Rd. He expressed the view that if the road was reinstated as it was, then traffic would continue to speed along the whole length of the road. In his view, the installation of a mini roundabout would be a good opportunity to slow down the speed and pace of traffic along the road.

Councillor Tickner said that local residents had seen much money spent on the installation of cycle lanes and now they would see additional money being spent on the removal of the cycle lanes. He felt it would be good for local residents to see something concrete that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 167